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TNPSC Peddles Misinformation About EVR’s Alleged UNESCO Title In Group 1 Examination

By
The Commune
-

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has peddled a misleading and incorrect information that has already been busted about EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers).

During the examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that states, “Who is certified as, “Socrates of South Asia” by UNESCO a unit organisation of United Nation?” perpetuating the propaganda endorsed by DMK and other Dravidianist organizations, aiming to portray E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) as an international leader. Despite repeatedly debunking of this falsehood, with the UNESCO itself putting statement that no such award was given EVR, TNPSC persists in promoting it.

Did UNESCO Certified EVR as Socrates of South Asia?

No, for long, it has been said, written and ingrained in the minds of people that EVR was conferred with the title of “Socrates of South Asia” by the UNESCO. This had found its place even in school textbooks of Tamil Nadu and was even asked as a question in annual examinations and Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams. However, this award has turned out to be a sham. An email response from the UNESCO office in Delhi has confirmed that no such award/title was given to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker.

The issue was first brought to light by a person named Jagannath Srinivasan who back in May 2019 wrote in his Facebook post that ‘Periyar’ being awarded the title of ‘Socrates of Southeast Asia’ by the UNESCO was a sham. He had reported the false information mentioned in E.V. Ramasamy Naicker’s Wikipedia page following which the information was removed from the free online encyclopedia. This had irked the Dravida Kazhagam and its president K. Veeramani who in an issue of Viduthalai spewed venom against Jagannath Srinivasan by making casteist and bigoted remarks.

Later, Prabhakaran, the son of scheduled caste activist and BJP leader TADA Periyasami filed an RTI with the Tamil Nadu Information Commission asking if the fact about ‘Periyar’ getting the title from ‘UNESCO’ mentioned in the Tamil Nadu textbook was true. The Commission had replied that a private organization with a similar name had given the title. The fact is that the award was sponsored by Tamil Nadu UNESCO Mandram (no way related to the United Nations).

The issue gained the deserved traction after Maridhas, an independent YouTuber exposed in a video about the sham. He had stated that he received an email from the UNESCO office in Delhi that confirmed that no such award/title was given to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker.

For more than 40 years, this lie has been peddled with several articles and research papers on EVR written based on this lie. None in the media or those belonging to the ‘intellectual’ circle who speak of facts has ever opened their mouths about this blatant lie peddled.

Then who gave the award to EVR? It was none other than late former DMK leader M. Karunanidhi in the presence of Dravida Kazhagam President K. Veeramani, under the banner name UNESCO manram.

High Court Direction

Previously, a petition was filed in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in February 2021, seeking the removal of a claim from Tamil Nadu school textbooks that E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, commonly known as ‘Periyar,’ was bestowed the title of ‘Socrates of Southeast Asia’ by UNESCO, which is factually incorrect.

The Court instructed the committees responsible for textbook preparation to conduct a review and take appropriate action within 12 weeks. The petition, filed by advocate Muhammad Razvi, pointed out that certain Class 9 textbooks published by the Tamil Nadu government and some college textbooks falsely attributed this title to Periyar. Razvi emphasized that India is not included in the list of Southeast Asian countries recognized by UNESCO, thereby discrediting the claim of such an award to E.V.R.

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DMK Govt’s Move To Drop Community Names From Govt Schools Meet With Protests

By
The Commune
-

Protests erupted in various locations against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to remove caste names from the school names. A viral video has surfaced online showing students confronting and driving away individuals who obstructed their entry to Kallar Government Higher Secondary School near Madurai. The video has gained traction on the internet with netizens praising the bravery of the students.

In Tamil Nadu, several government schools bear caste names, such as the Kallar Government Higher Secondary School. A report by former Justice Chandru recommended to the state government that caste identifiers be removed from these schools, including names like Adi Dravidar and Kallar etc. This recommendation has divided opinion, with one faction supporting the change and another opposing it.

The Tamil Nadu Piramalai Kallar Federation and Forward Block announced a class boycott in protest against the removal of the ‘Kallar’ name from the school. They called for students and parents to support their cause, leading to demonstrations outside government Kallar schools.

In Theni district, a Kallar schools was closed by the protesters and the students were sent home. But when the students of A.Poochipatti near Usilampatti, Madurai district, where individuals prevented students from attending school, claiming it was a holiday, the students vehemently protested, demanding proof of the claim that they should stay home.

In the video, the students expressed a strong desire to attend school. However, some individuals obstructed them and insisted they go home. One person claimed, “We are fighting for you to study for free.” In response, the students questioned, “Who told us we need to pay fees now?” The group asserted, “The government says you have to pay… There’s a GO stating fees are required.” The students remained skeptical and asked for evidence. One of them challenged, “Where’s the proof?” The reply came, “Have you seen the proof? Ask your teacher.” One student retorted, “Our teacher informed us about everything. We keep up with the news daily. No such announcement was made. Why should we skip school today?” They were determined to attend despite the confrontation.

In a viral video, students can be seen arguing with protestors who tried to stop them from attending school. The police eventually intervened, dispersing the protestors and allowing the students to enter. The incident has garnered widespread praise for the students’ determination to attend school despite the obstacles.

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“3 DMK Members Involved, Seems Like An Attempt To Cover Up”, Annamalai On Encounter Of Armstrong Murder Case Accused

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has strongly criticized the fatal encounter of Thiruvengadam, a surrendered murder accused linked to the case involving the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP Chief K Armstrong on 14 July 2024.

Annamalai has expressed suspicion that the surrendered suspect’s attempt to flee and subsequent encounter by the police may indicate an effort to conceal facts. He alleged that three DMK members implicated in Armstrong’s murder, questions whether the investigation is proceeding in the correct direction. He also urged the DMK government to conduct a comprehensive and swift investigation into Armstrong’s murder.

In an official statement issued via his X account, Annamalai expressed his dismay, stating, “Thiruvenkadam, who surrendered in the murder case of Bahujan Samaj Party state president Armstrong, was shot dead by the Tamil Nadu police in an encounter today. It has been reported that Thiruvengadam was shot and killed while fleeing.”

The fact that a man who surrendered to the murder tried to escape has raised serious suspicions. As three DMK members were involved in Armstrong’s murder, it seems that there is an attempt to cover up some truth. It also raises the question of whether the Armstrong murder case is headed in the right direction. I urge that the higher authorities of the police should be properly investigate shooting of Thiruvenkadam by the police d and also urge the DMK government to conduct a fair and speedy investigation into Armstrong’s murder.” He added

 

Earlier, the General Secretary of AIADMK, Edappadi K Palaniswami, raised doubts on the encounter by the police, prompting him to advocate for the investigation to be transferred to the CBI.

In his official X account EPS stated, “The reports are coming in that one of the surrendered, rowdy Tiruvenkadam in the Bahujan Samaj Party state president Armstrong’s  murder case have been encountered by the police. What was the need to rush someone in police custody early in the morning and shoot them dead? Did the police handcuff the murder accused while taking him to confiscate the weapons? Suspicions arise strongly about who this encounter is to save.”

“As Armstrong’s family and his party suspect that those who surrendered are not real criminals, such actions by the police only reinforce their suspicions. Thiruvenkadam’s statement regarding this case must be sealed and handed over to the court! As the investigation of this case is losing confidence, it should be transferred to the CBI as per the demand of the Armstrong family and the Bahujan Samaj Party.” He added.

The police on 14 July 2024 fatally shot one of the eleven suspects in the murder case of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong in an encounter near Madhavaram . The incident occurred when the suspect, identified as K Thiruvengadam from Kundrathur allegedly attempted to attack police officers and flee when he was taken to to recover the weapons used for the murder.

Earlier that morning, Thiruvengadam had been brought to a location near a lake in Madhavaram where the weapons used in Armstrong’s murder were believed to be hidden. At this spot, he purportedly made a move against a policeman, prompting the fatal gunfire. After being shot, Thiruvengadam was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Armstrong had been brutally attacked and killed on 5 July 2024, while he stood outside his house in Perambur. Following his death, eight individuals, including Thiruvengadam, were arrested by Greater Chennai police. The suspects, identified as Ponnai V Balu, D Ramu, K S Thirumalai, D Selvaraj, G Arul, K Manivannan, J Santosh, and three others arrested the next day, were apprehended in connection to the murder.

Authorities stated that Armstrong’s killing was in retaliation for the 2023 murder of history sheeter Arcot Suresh near Foreshore Estate. Notably, Ponnai V Balu, one of the arrested suspects, is the younger brother of Suresh. On 11 July 2024, the city police obtained a five-day custody of the suspects for further interrogation.

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AIADMK Calls For CBI Probe Following Fatal Encounter Of Armstrong Murder Case Accused

By
The Commune
-

The police fatally shot one of the eleven suspects in the murder case of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong in an incident near Madhavaram on 14 July 2024. The incident occurred when the suspect, identified as K Thiruvengadam (33) from Kundrathur and known for his criminal record, allegedly attempted to attack police officers and flee when he was taken to to recover the weapons used for the murder.

Earlier that morning, Thiruvengadam had been brought to a location near a lake in Madhavaram where the weapons used in Armstrong’s murder were believed to be hidden. At this spot, he purportedly made a move against a policeman, prompting the fatal gunfire. After being shot, Thiruvengadam was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Armstrong had been brutally attacked and killed on 5 July 2024, while he stood outside his house in Perambur. Following his death, eight individuals, including Thiruvengadam, were arrested by Greater Chennai police. The suspects, identified as Ponnai V Balu (39), D Ramu (38), K S Thirumalai (45), D Selvaraj (48), G Arul (33), K Manivannan (25), J Santosh (22), and three others arrested the next day, were apprehended in connection to the murder.

Authorities stated that Armstrong’s killing was in retaliation for the 2023 murder of history sheeter Arcot Suresh near Foreshore Estate. Notably, Ponnai V Balu, one of the arrested suspects, is the younger brother of Suresh. On 11 July 2024, the city police obtained a five-day custody of the suspects for further interrogation.

In this instance, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the General Secretary of AIADMK, suggested that Thiruvenkadam, who was shot today, has raised doubts, prompting him to advocate for the investigation to be transferred to the CBI.

In his official X account EPS stated, “The reports are coming in that one of the surrendered, rowdy Tiruvenkadam in the Bahujan Samaj Party state president Armstrong’s  murder case have been encountered by the police. What was the need to rush someone in police custody early in the morning and shoot them dead? Did the police handcuff the murder accused while taking him to confiscate the weapons? Suspicions arise strongly about who this encounter is to save.”

“As Armstrong’s family and his party suspect that those who surrendered are not real criminals, such actions by the police only reinforce their suspicions. Thiruvenkadam’s statement regarding this case must be sealed and handed over to the court! As the investigation of this case is losing confidence, it should be transferred to the CBI as per the demand of the Armstrong family and the Bahujan Samaj Party.” He added.

BSP Tamil Nadu chief Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, gained prominence when he was elected to the Chennai Corporation Council in 2006. His profile rose further after organizing a large rally in Chennai two years ago, where he extended an invitation to BSP chief Mayawati.

Mayawati, leader of the BSP, has called for a CBI investigation into the attack. She emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in the state, especially for the safety of vulnerable communities. Criticizing the state government for its handling of the case, she asserted that if the government had been diligent, the perpetrators would have been apprehended by now. Therefore, she urged the state government to transfer the case to the CBI for a thorough investigation.

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DMK Women Councilor Accused Of Inciting Assault During Local Katta Panchayat Over Land Dispute

By
The Commune
-

A female DMK councilor is accused of local Katta Panchayat (Kangaroo court) who was supporting another woman in a land dispute issue currently in court. The video capturing the assault of victim has gone viral on the internet.

Raj, originally from 4th Street, Lions Town in Thoothukudi district, owned a two-cent plot in the same locality. Bills and local settlements were in his name until his passing, after which his wife Germany and her family continued living in the house. Recently, a dispute arose when Raj’s younger sister Brindal attempted to claim ownership of the property adjacent to Raj’s house, resulting in a legal case filed in Thoothukudi District Court. The initial ruling favored Raj’s side, prompting Brindal to appeal to the Madurai High Court.

During the pending legal proceedings, Brindal allegedly attempted to set up a drinking water facility without government permission near the 47th ward, facilitated by DMK woman councilor Rexilin. This led to objections from Germany, questioning the legality of installing pipelines while the property ownership remained unresolved. During the altercation, Germany entered the pit to resist, but Brindal allegedly assaulted her by grabbing her hair. The DMK councillor reportedly verbally abused Germany and incited the incident, resulting in her hospitalization at Thoothukudi Government Medical College.

Shirley, Germany’s daughter, accused DMK councilor Rexilin of instigating the incident, alleging corruption and unauthorized actions in providing services without proper documentation, despite the ongoing court case. Shirley called for police intervention and urged the Corporation Commissioner to address what she described as anarchy perpetrated by the DMK councilors.

https://twitter.com/Shibin_twitz/status/1812049675660443682

(With Inputs From ETV Bharat)

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These 3Cs Will Influence The 2029 Lok Sabha Election

By
Ananth Mahadevan
-

All of us have seen that the political dynamics have changed quite a bit post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now we have an emboldened opposition, especially the Congress, who thinks they have an upper hand and is charged up to corner the Modi Government from every quarter at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately for Narendra Modi, a series of unfavorable incidents have cropped up like the sudden increase in terrorist attacks in Kashmir, the NEET and NTA issue, train accidents and so on. Narendra Modi has dealt with such issues smartly earlier too but this time he and his party have to reinvent themselves given they are a bit lesser than majority this time in the Lok Sabha and voices of criticism will be shriller with the passage of time. When a strong person gets a little weaker, the people who used to fear him earlier will come out and challenge more boldly than ever.  Narendra Modi has not shown any sign of weakness so far be it in managing his main allies, the JDU and TDP, allocating his cabinet ministers etc. which is a good start albeit the coming years are going to be tougher than the last 10 years for him.

In the next 4 and a half years, these 3Cs are going to influence the prospects of BJP and the opposition – Caste, Communication and Courage. By caste, I obviously mean the different castes in Hindus as no politician talks about castes in any other religion in India. The Opposition is going to play hard on the caste card. They will try to play to the galleries and promise anything under the sun to get the votes of particular sections of the Hindu community be it in the upcoming assembly elections or the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. They will go all out to ensure that BJP fails to consolidate the Hindu votes in anyway. They anyways have the full support of the minority communities especially the Muslims. BJP must counter this challenge with shrewd strategies and might have to play to the galleries also whether they like it or not. If BJP has to win, they don’t have any other go but to get the caste equation right in every single election going forward. There will be no room for any mistakes. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah understands this very well.

The second C, Communication, is another vital skill that BJP has to master and take to the next level. Congress is already showing signs of better coordinated communication which continues even now post elections. They seem to have a better coordination and well thought out communication strategy. I am not talking about the morality of the message being communicated but the way in which its being communicated to the general public. Agniveer issue raised by the Congress is a classic example. Congress confidently and aggressively raised the Agniveer issue. They first said in Parliament that Agniveer is not being compensated. Then they changed the tone, after the Indian Army rebutted with data. Now they go on to say that insurance is not compensation and that Agniveers are not being treated equal to any other Jawans.

We clearly saw that BJP has not been good at rebutting this allegation in a creative, forceful, data driven using various modes like on-ground communication, social media videos other than the same video of Agniveer Ajay’s family saying they actually got the money. At least, I didn’t see them cornering the Congress aggressively and taking an upperhand in this narrative. The fact that some retired army professionals rebutting vehemently and some also raising concerns on the manner of rollout of the Agniveer program at this very same time shows that the Congress has been able to raise some questions and confusion in the minds of public through some coordinated effort and its now upon BJP to counter and bring confidence in everyone’s minds through a comparatively better communication strategy.

Although BJP core supporters will not have any doubts, the issue is of the public at large. Agniveer is just one example and there will a barrage of such arrows that the opposition is going to shoot at BJP. Modi’s party has to start being doubly proactive and shoot at the opposition first with issues that will not give them room to come up with fresh salvos through a re-invigorated communication strategy and stronger communication team. They have the resources and skillsets to do this. It’s a matter of coming up with a good communication plan that is forward looking and that has already factored possible future issues and portrays BJP as having the comfortable upper hand always as was the case earlier.

The final C is Courage. Modi and BJP must have the courage to go all out to tackle the problems that opposition creates even before they create. There will be “andolans”, country wide strikes, yatras, instigations taking various forms which the emboldened opponent forces will courageously orchestrate. Everyone knows that protests are not illegal but this time Narendra Modi has to crush any politically motivated, anti-state, non-genuine endeavors with an iron hand without bothering about international repercussions or any loss of image internally, like Lee Kuan Yew did for Singapore, before they become mass movements which go against the interests of the country itself.

Also, a section of the nation loving Hindus is expecting Narendra Modi to move from soft Hindutva to hard Hindutva and he has to take some bold measures in order to avoid losing this segment totally this time. For e.g. implementing UCC, CAA, NRC etc. is going to be very tough and needs lot of political courage especially with a stronger opposition filled with vengeance that is ready to go to any extent to dethrone Modi after failing for a third time in 2024. It’s true that to do something right needs more courage than to do anything by hook or crook when one doesn’t have any moral accountability and the agenda is just to beat someone. Therefore, I conclude that the 3Cs – Caste, Communication and courage is going to significantly influence the prospects of the political parties in the run up to the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029. Let’s hope Bharat emerges the winner at the end of the day after all the expected turbulence in the coming years!

Ananth Mahadevan is a political commentator based in Bengaluru.

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DMK Member Arul Suspected To Be Involved In TN BSP Leader Armstrong Murder

By
The Commune
-

Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally hacked to death outside his residence in Perambur about a week ago. The police have arrested eleven individuals in connection with the murder, detaining them for five days for interrogation at the Joint Commissioner’s office in Parangimalai.

The motive behind Armstrong’s murder is believed to be revenge for the killing of rowdy Arcot Suresh. Initially, it was thought that Armstrong’s brother, Ponnai Balu, was killed in retaliation for Suresh’s murder. However, recent investigations by the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) have revealed that Arul, a 33-year-old lawyer from Tiruvallur district and a member of the DMK, masterminded the murder.

Police reports indicate that Arul closely monitored Armstrong with the help of his friends and executed his plan. Arul allegedly procured the weapons used in the murder, which were later discovered hidden in the homes of their relatives from Tiruninavur.

The police are specifically investigating DMK Branch Secretary Kalai M Srinivasan, Satish, and Naresh from Nathamedu village in Tiruvallur district.

Investigations have further uncovered that Arul meticulously instructed the mercenaries to target and sever Armstrong’s bleeding veins to ensure fatal injuries. Additionally, another lawyer is suspected to be involved in the conspiracy, and police efforts are underway to identify this individual.

The police are also investigating the financial trail linked to Armstrong’s murder. They are scrutinizing the bank accounts of the 11 detainees and examining all money transfers made to them over the past six months. Additionally, their WhatsApp call logs are being analyzed to uncover any further connections or communications related to the crime.

The revelation of a DMK executive’s involvement in the murder has caused more and more eyebrows to be raised with regard to the murder.

(With inputs from Samayam)

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Modi Govt To Issue ₹100 Coin In Commemoration Of DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi’s Birth Centenary

By
The Commune
-
PM Modi Hails Late DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi

The Union Finance Ministry has approved the issuance of a commemorative coin “honoring” the late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, following a request from the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. A notification has also been published in the Government Gazette regarding the same.

The MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu had proposed to the Union government to mark the birth centenary of Karunanidhi with a commemorative coin that says “Mutthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi”. Last year, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s administration requested the Central Finance Ministry to issue the ₹100 commemorative coin on June 3 to mark Karunanidhi’s 100th birthday. However, due to procedural delays, the coin was not released on the specified date. With all procedures now completed, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given the approval for the coin.

According to reports, the Karunanidhi commemorative coin will feature the words “Tamil Vellum” in both Hindi and English, along with the name “Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi.”

In addition to the Karunanidhi coin, the Finance Ministry has also approved commemorative coins for the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court and the centenary of the Mumbai Stock Exchange.

Previously, commemorative coins have been issued in honor of Tamil Nadu leaders, including former Chief Ministers Kamaraj, CN Annadurai, and AIADMK founder Dr. MG Ramachandran, as well as various artists.

For the Karunanidhi coin, a specimen drawing was obtained from the Tamil Nadu government and finalized by the Union Finance Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government’s request for a commemorative coin for former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa remains pending. In 2020, then Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami submitted a request to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, but the Central government has been reluctant to issue the coin due to Jayalalithaa’s conviction in a corruption case.

India began issuing commemorative coins in 1964, with the first coin honoring Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. These coins are issued by the Reserve Bank of India under the directives of the Ministry of Finance.

About Karunanidhi

Born as Dakshinamurthy, Karunanidhi went on to become the DMK president after its founder CN Annadurai. Karunanidhi’s ascension to the top post made the DMK a dynastic party with the party coming under the stranglehold of his family. Karunanidhi has made several controversial statements regarding Hindus and Hinduism. One such remark in 2002, Karunanidhi referred to Hindus as ‘thieves’.

At that time, Karunanidhi argued that all he said was that even those who supported the Hindu religion interpret the word Hindu as thief. “Maybe it means someone who steals the heart.”, he had said during the controversy.

In 2007 the Sethusamudram project was withdrawn due to technical difficulties of shallow water. At the backdrop, Karunanidhi rhetorically asked, “Who is this Raman? In which engineering college did he study and become a civil engineer? When did he build this so-called bridge? Is there any evidence for this?”

Karunanidhi has also written short stories and sometimes employed Hindu deities as characters in his stories, often distorting and misrepresenting them with sexual perversion.

He has also abused his political opponents. There are several instances where the late former Chief Minister Karunanidhi insulted and mocked Kamaraj. During his tenure as Chief Minister, the late DMK leader Karunanidhi mandated that all panchayat council chiefs be addressed as “Perunthalaivar.” However, this directive was rescinded on 3 April 1987 after MG Ramachandran (MGR) assumed power. Several cartoons mocking Kamarajar (sometimes with racist and casteist insinuations) were published in DMK’s official mouthpiece.

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Germany’s First Black Lawmaker Won’t Seek Re-Election, Alleges Death Threats; Mainstream Media Downplays Impact

By
The Commune
-

The recent announcement by Germany’s first Black lawmaker, Karamba Diaby, that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary elections has been portrayed by many media outlets as a personal decision to spend more time with family. However, this perspective overlooks the significant issue of racism and the increasing threats faced by immigrants in European states.

Karamba Diaby, a Senegal-born lawmaker who made history by becoming the first African-born Black person elected to the German Bundestag in 2013, has faced relentless threats from neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists throughout his political career. His office has been targeted multiple times, including incidents involving gunfire and arson. Despite these severe threats, Diaby emphasized that racism and hatred are not the primary reasons for his decision to step down, but rather a desire to allow younger people to take on leadership roles.

The severity of the threats faced by Diaby, which include death threats and attacks on his team, has raised alarms about the safety and acceptance of immigrants and minorities in Germany. Diaby has been vocal about the rise in xenophobic hate crimes and the role of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in fostering an environment of fear and hostility. According to Diaby, the AfD’s rhetoric in the Bundestag, filled with hatred towards migrants and minorities, has contributed significantly to this toxic atmosphere.

This troubling trend is not isolated to Germany. Across Europe, there is growing concern about the increasing normalization of violence and verbal hostility towards immigrants, fueled by far-right groups and exacerbated by social media platforms that spread false information and reinforce extremist views. The case of Diaby illustrates the broader issue of political violence and intimidation that is becoming more prevalent, threatening the fabric of democratic societies.

The media’s focus on Diaby’s personal reasons for leaving politics and the lack of emphasis on the racist attacks he has endured underscores a broader reluctance to confront and address the systemic racism affecting immigrants in Europe. This downplaying of the real issues at hand not only undermines the experiences of those targeted by racism but also risks eroding the democratic values that these societies claim to uphold.

Experts warn that if more immigrant and minority politicians withdraw from public life due to safety concerns, it could lead to a significant democratic deficit. The situation calls for greater awareness, stronger protections for at-risk politicians, and a more honest media discourse about the challenges facing immigrant communities in European political spaces.

As Germany and other European nations grapple with these issues, the gap between official democracy rankings and the lived experiences of minority politicians becomes increasingly apparent, raising questions about the true state of inclusivity and representation in European democracies.

(with inputs from Anadolu Ajansi and DW)

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Suriya Who Opposed Hindi Imposition, Had North-Indian Character Slapped In Jai Bhim For Speaking Hindi, Attends Ambani Family Wedding

By
The Commune
-

In what can be seen as yet another display of blatant hypocrisy by virtue signalling Kollywood actor Suriya and his wife Jothika, they were seen marking their attendance at Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani’s wedding with his long-time fiancee Radhika Merchant.

The husband-wife duo has indulged in virtue-signalling the public over Hindi, over building hospitals and schools instead of temples in the past. Here is a look at their past actions.

Suriya

In 2019, Suriya opposed the National Education Policy’s three-language system. However, when it came to his own film, Kanguva, he posted on his social media X handle in six languages, including Hindi, to promote the film. Suriya had argued that the policy imposed Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states and disadvantaged rural students.

After all the talk about Hindi imposition, Suriya and his family including his wife Jothika and two children moved to Mumbai in March 2023 into a ₹70 crore apartment.

In his film, Jai Bhim, in the Tamil version, there is a scene where a character gets slapped for speaking in Hindi. In the scene, Prakash Raj, who plays the role of a police officer, slaps a north Indian (who has been stereotyped as a ‘Marwari’ Seth) for speaking in Hindi and asks him to speak in Tamil. This scene is however absent in the Hindi version of the film. Many pointed out that this was deliberately done to appease the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, the party which is known for inciting hatred in the name of a non-existent ‘Hindi imposition’.

Jothika

In a speech at an awards ceremony in 2020, Jyothika recounted that the Brihadeeshwara temple with all its grandeur reminded her of the palaces in Udaipur. As a part of her shooting, she had to visit a hospital that she found was poorly maintained. She used the awards ceremony as a platform to make a “public request” that people should donate money to schools and hospitals instead of putting money in temple hundi. She went on to say that schools and hospitals are just as important, if not more so, and that they deserve more support from the public.

Netizens questioned whether Jothika advised the Ambanis on how not to waste money on wedding and instead build hospitals and schools.

https://twitter.com/Kunthavi5/status/1811891654821019908

https://twitter.com/SurendarRPG/status/1812027116525093139

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